Health and health related quality of life of children living with HIV infected parents

Abstract

Objective: To study the health and health related quality of life of children living with HIV infected parents using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) ™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales. Methods: The study was conducted from January 2013 to October 2014 at S. N. Medical College, Agra , ART centre and pediatrics OPD. The Pedsql generic core version 4.0 was administered to 300 children in the age group of 8-18 years living with HIV infected parents and 300 controls who visited the pediatric OPD for minor ailments. Results: In this study it was found that children living with HIV infected parents had lower mean weight(26.89 vs 30.76 kg), height(1.09 vs 1.35metres) and body mass index (15.73 vs 17.16) compared with controls. The percentage of children not attending the school for more than six months was also significantly higher in the study group (32% vs 15% in controls. Their Pedsql scores were lower in emotional, social and school domains as compared with the controls. Conclusion: These findings are along expected lines, it is vital to establish a baseline of socioeconomic and physical parameters of such children in Indian context. This knowledge is vital to plan a meaningful policy intervention and to measure its efficacy. These findings can guide in the development of future interventions that promote care and support of children living in HIV/AIDS affected families. we feel more such studies are required in future to realise the big picture.